Localities urged to prepare for violent storms

Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai has asked localities to improve their response plans for severe storms before September 20 to send to ministries and relevant agencies.

The National Steering Committee for Disaster Prevention and Control (NSCDPC) will then use the local plans to complete its general response plan, serving the Government’s directions and instructions in the event of a strong storm.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment determined storm-prone areas, storm risks and the impact of rising water levels caused by storms for coastal areas.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the NSCDPC issued guidelines on shelters for fishing boats and instructed localities to create and update plans in response to super storms and draw flooding maps.

The Ministry of Construction published technical construction guidelines on preventing and minimising damage to houses caused by storms and those on safe houses according to storm levels.

The Ministry of Information and Communications built communication networks for disseminating instructions and directions and ensuring the networks work properly.

The National Committee for Search and Rescue, the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Public Security devised plans to mobilise human resources, rescue vehicles and ensure order and security.

Twenty eight coastal provinces and cities completed response plans for super storms, 19 of which were approved, and began contributing opinions to the general plan.

According to the NSCDPC, the main contents of the general response plan for super storms focus on the assignment of tasks and evacuation plans; ensuring communication and safety for ships; protecting important and anti-disaster works; maintaining order, security and traffic; coordinating rescue activities; mobilising resources; and storing commodities, food and necessities.-VNA